NCSO urges residents to be wary after 'cop' incident

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Two men in unmarked vehicles flagged a Penn Valley woman down just before midnight Monday, telling her they were police officers and that there had been an armed robbery in the neighborhood.

But according to the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, no armed robbery had taken place, and no known law enforcement agencies were conducting any operations near Western Gateway Park Monday night.

The woman, who was not identified, was driving home at about 11:20 p.m. and was flagged down by an “officer” who said there had been an armed robbery and to be careful. Her mother told dispatches there had been three unmarked vehicles at the main entrance to the park at Easy Street, which she described as dark sedans, possibly Buicks, at least one of which had a red dashboard light.

According to the daughter, one of the men asked her how busy the street was, and how much patrol they get.

One man was described as being 6-foot-1, with short dark hair and dark eyes, wearing jeans, a dark shirt and white shoes with writing; that man flashed a badge. The second man was described as being 5-foot-9, with longer dark hair, hazel eyes, dressed in dark jeans and a grey shirt, also with white shoes with writing.

“We’re still looking into it, but typically, other agencies tell us if they are in the area,” said Sheriff’s Sgt. Dan Saunders.

“We urge the public to be cautious,” Saunders said. “If you are approached by someone in an unmarked vehicle and you feel uneasy about the contact, call 911, and go to a public, well-lighted area.”